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You don't need any skills on the green to enjoy a round at these Chicago mini-golf courses.

Sunday Jun 07, 2009.     By Stacy Warden

Lifestyle Feed

Miniature golf is usually one of those activities reserved for children, out-of-towners and awkward teenage dates. But these local courses, geared toward all ages, have a little more to offer than your typical tourist trap (though the Navy Pier course can be fun, too).

Novelty Golf & Game Room
This old-school putt-putt course has been in business for more than 50 years and is still going strong. We'd like to believe that has something to do with an increasing popularity in mini-golf, but more than likely it's because of Bunny Hutch, Novelty Golf’s snack shop. The tiny shack, reminiscent of a 1960s soda shop, makes an award-winning milkshake that'll have you waxing nostalgic 'til the very last slurp. Of course the 18-hole golf course offers just as many memories, but you can't taste them. And if milkshakes and mini-golf weren't already enough to keep you entertained, Novelty Golf also offers five batting cages and a small arcade.

Skokie Sports Park
The Skokie Park District offers countless activities for families to enjoy all summer long, and one of them just happens to be adventure golf. First, there's the Traveler's Quest, which offers 18 global-themed holes. The "Around the World" theme provides a tiny glimpse into replicas of world-famous sights like the Eiffel Tower and giant African elephants. If you're looking for something strictly for the little ones to enjoy, Skokie Sports Park also has a nine-hole Kid's Quest course. The tykes will be able to enjoy a number of interactive activities, including a ride on a jeep, climbing on dinosaurs and a trip down the slide. Even mom and dad can participate in this one, as the small course provides an adult challenge. Once you've had enough mini-golf, go for the real thing at the park's driving range or test your swing in one of its batting cages.

Par-King Skill Golf (Lincolnshire)
This Lincolnshire putt-putt place touts itself as "The World's Most Unusual Miniature Golf." It certainly lives up to its motto. The peculiar course has been around since the 1960s and, over the years, has caught the attention of numerous national and local media outlets, including The Travel Channel, USA Today and the Chicago Sun-Times, to name a few. Perhaps its notoriety has something to do with the park's colorful mechanical obstacles (think turtles and clowns), water holes, its thousands of flowers or the constant changes in elevation. In addition to its unique 18-hole course, Par-King offers an arcade full of video games, pinball and air hockey.

Odyssey Fun World (Tinley Park)
The outdoor recreational park at Tinley Park's Odyssey Fun World has a little something for everyone. We recommend starting with a round of miniature golf and then working up a sweat in the batting cages. Once you're ready to cool down you can relax on the paddleboats or let off some steam on the bumper boats. You'll also find two go-kart tracks; one full of tight turns and the other designed for a faster ride (lead foot, anyone?).

Putting Edge (Hoffman Estates, Lincolnshire and Norridge)
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to golf at night, you can finally put your mind at ease with one of Putting Edge's glow-in-the-dark courses. The psychedelic 18-hole course may have you questioning your mental stability by the time you make your last putt. But you can relax (or at least try to) in the venue's interactive arcade afterward. If you're up for a little virtual practice before heading over (or you want a peek at how mind-boggling the actual course is) log on to Putting Edge's website and tee up in a whimsical online course.